Penrith captain Petero Civoniceva eyeing two more years in the NRL

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PENRITH captain Petero Civoniceva is eyeing another two years in the NRL, with the Test forward adamant he wants to be part of Queensland’s historic chase for five straight Origin series wins this year.Refreshed after the Kangaroos’ Four Nations success and itching to start his 12th NRL season, the veteran prop, who turns 34 in April, is off contract at the end of 2010.

And while he’s in no hurry to ink a new deal, Civoniceva yesterday told The Daily Telegraph he was aiming for a further two years in the NRL.

The former Broncos premiership winner, who is also Australia’s most capped Test forward with 40 appearances, is convinced the Panthers are on the cusp of success and has no plans to head to England.

“I haven’t really thought about going to England. I’m happy here,” Civoniceva said. “This is the toughest competition there is so I would be keen to play on, but we have to wait and see what arises.

“Who knows, maybe down the track England could be an option, but for the moment I’m happy in the NRL.”

Civoniceva, who has been part of Queensland’s four-straight Origin series wins, has also vowed to continue his representative career.

“I say every year I’m just happy to let the selectors make the decisions,” he said. “I’ll keep putting my hand up for it, but it’s important that I keep playing good footy though, to get selected.

Panthers CEO Mick Leary said while the club was yet to open negotiations, the Queenslander was a priority resigning.

“If Petero wishes to continue we would certainly be looking at signing him again,” he said “He’s been great for us.”

Civoniceva will be rested from Saturday’s trial against Parramatta, along with Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis and Trent Waterhouse.